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(katy.perry/flickr)Crowning 2008's Song of the Summer
Every summer, one song seems to blast from every beach radio, car stereo, and block-party boombox around the city. Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman joins us to crown this summer’s biggest jam. Also: Singer-songwriter Brendan James went from a check-out clerk at Urban Outfitters to a favorite of Carly Simon and other stars. He joins us to perform live.
Cast your vote for the song of the summer - and watch clips of the contenders here.
Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll
Every year, popular and critical opinion somehow converge to settle on a "summer song." In 2007, it was Rihanna's "Umbrella." The year before, it was "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. The practice stretches back to the very dawn of pop radio. Yet defining the essence of a "summer song" is a bit elusive. We enlist the help of Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman -- and of our Soundcheck listeners, in an online poll.
Cast your vote: Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll 2008
Can't decide? Check out audio and video clips of the contestants here.
Our blog: John Schaefer asks what makes a good summer song,
Brendan James Live
Just a few years ago, singer-songwriter Brendan James was a struggling artist without a record deal or even a piano. But while working nights as a clerk at Urban Outfitters, he began sneaking into hotels like The Plaza, where he'd begin playing the piano - sometimes for 3 or 4 hours at a time. Now, James has a major-label record deal and friends in high places. He joins us to tell the rest of his story - and perform live.
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Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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